Light therapy may improve oral lichen planus

Low-level light therapy (LLLT) may be a more effective treatment for oral lichen planus (OLP) than topical corticosteroids, according to a review study recently published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice. Furthermore, LLLT may successfully reduce pain, improve OLP lesion outcomes, and decrease relapse risk, the authors wrote. “These findings suggest that LLLT could be a superior treatment option for OLP,” wrote the authors, led by Chenghui Lu of

Can Orthodontics Help with Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding often goes unnoticed until it begins affecting daily comfort. Jaw tension in the morning, recurring headaches, or soreness while chewing can all point toward an issue that is happening during sleep. This condition, known as bruxism, is more common than many realize and can gradually impact both dental health and overall well-being. At Avalon Dental & Orthodontics, the team includes both a dentist and an orthodontist who work

Clinical tip: Procedure details for guided bone profiling

In this week’s clinical tip, courtesy of CDOCS, Dr. Farhad Boltchi discusses guided bone profiling, something that may need to be done in your practice when a patient presents for dental implants. “Now bone profiling becomes necessary in a lot of cases where we place implants and the implants end up subcrestally. Usually, this is the case interproximally or on the lingual or palatal surfaces. “In order to ensure that

Aspen, Ivoclar partner on new denture

Aspen Dental and Ivoclar have launched the Signature Elite Denture. The Signature Elite Denture is designed to combine accessibility, precision, and innovation. It features Ivoclar’s SR Vivodent S DCL and SR Orthotyp S DCL teeth along with the heat-injected IvoBase system for a better fit and comfort, the companies said. It also includes Regal Protect, an antibacterial coating for added oral health benefits.

What to Expect With Dental Implants

If you’re missing a tooth (or several), dental implants are one of the best ways to restore your smile. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth, giving you back the confidence to eat, speak, and smile without worry. But if you’ve never had an implant before, you might wonder what the process involves. Here’s what to expect from start to finish. Step 1: The Consultation Before getting implants, you’ll

Clinical tip: How to dry a canal

Today’s clinical tip of the day, courtesy of CDOCS, comes from Alyssa, a dental assistant who works for Dr. Diwakar Kinra. If you’re looking to level up your clinical knowledge when it comes to canal spaces, the video below will be a great help. “Sometimes, when you’re drying the mesial, it helps to put a little bit of a bend in the paper point to get around that typical angulation.

This may help cut early tooth decay in kids

Exclusively breastfeeding an infant for the first six months after birth may be a protective factor against early childhood caries, according to a new study published on February 12 in the Journal of Dentistry. Furthermore, breast milk may prevent caries by changing a child’s oral microbial count and proportion, which may prevent caries, the authors wrote. “Medical workers, including dentists, are responsible for promoting the initiatives on breastfeeding and providing

Can Rotten Baby Teeth Affect Permanent Teeth?

As a parent, you may wonder how important baby teeth really are. Since they eventually fall out, is it necessary to worry about cavities or decay? The answer is a resounding yes! Healthy baby teeth play a crucial role in your child’s overall oral development. As an experienced pediatric dentist in Katy, TX, we’re here to explain how rotten baby teeth can impact permanent teeth and why routine care for

Pros and Cons of Dental Implant Treatment Process

Dental implants are the most tooth-like solution for missing teeth – but they’re not for everyone. The implant process can be both lengthy and complex, and you may wish to consider other options like bridges and dentures before making a final decision on implants. As a dental practice that values transparency, we will always be upfront with our patients about the pros and cons of each tooth replacement treatment we

Gum disease may be linked to abscesses

Acute periapical abscesses (PAs) may occur more often in patients with periodontal disease (PD) than in those without the disease, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association. Certain genders, ages, and race were more affected, the authors wrote. “Under the conditions of our study, it appears that the odds for acute PAs are significantly higher in patients with PD seeking treatment for pain due

How To Stop Being Nervous At The Dentist

The mouth is one of the most sensitive and intimate parts of the body. Adjacent to teeth are soft tissues (gum tissue and the tongue) which are fragile parts of our anatomy. It’s no wonder then, that for many people, having an oral examination can feel scary and invasive, particularly if there has been previous trauma sustained in the dentist’s chair, or indeed because of other intimate trauma sustained in

5 Signs You May Need Restorative Dental Treatment

Maintaining a healthy smile is essential for both oral health and overall well-being. At Avalon Dental Group, we’re dedicated to helping our patients in Sugar Land and Katy achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful smiles. If you’re experiencing any of the following dental issues, it may be time to explore dental restoration options with our expert restorative dentist. 1. Persistent Tooth Pain or Sensitivity Tooth pain or sensitivity when consuming hot,